@FoodAllergy

FARE is the largest US nonprofit organization dedicated to driving research and a cure for the more then 33 million people in the US with food allergies

McLean, VA
Joined April 2009
Resident Advisors can play an important role in creating safer college communities for students with food allergies. FARE’s Resident Advisor Food Allergy Training gives RAs the knowledge and confidence they need to support students living with food allergies in campus housing. Through the training, RAs will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, understand anaphylaxis, know how to respond during a food allergy emergency, and take practical steps to foster a safe and supportive residential community. Learn more about FARE’s Resident Advisor Food Allergy Training: foodallergyacademy.org/cours…
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"At eight months old, I was diagnosed with a dairy allergy. However, what is usually found to be a common allergy among infants and toddlers is one that I have yet to grow out of nearly sixteen years later. There was even a period of a few years when I was younger that I could tolerate certain baked dairy products. However, that unfortunately ended when I went into anaphylactic shock after eating a piece of store bought cake at my eighth birthday party. To this day, I avoid all dairy, as my allergy is at the worst it’s ever been. Even though I’ve learned to be okay with not eating dairy all my life, I still struggle when it comes to anxiety surrounding social events, worries about potential cross contamination, and the overall fear of going into anaphylactic shock. However, I’ve always had a wonderful support team of a family; they are my biggest advocates and have always sought to make sure I feel comfortable and safe when it comes to food, regardless of the environment I’m in. All my life, my grandmother- Mem-Mem, also known as my Little Debbie- has shown her immense love and care for me through food. Having a grandchild with a severe food allergy, she’s always made every effort to triple check ingredients, wash her hands and scrub appliances to prevent any possible cross contact, and advocate for me in public places when dealing with food. She’s even gone as far as completely remaking meals for me to eliminate the fear that she accidentally used the wrong ingredients. Through every dance competition, school event, and big opportunity I’ve had the privilege to attend, she’s always been right by my side, ensuring I have everything I need (and more) to pursue my passions and live without fear of food." -Kenna Happy National Grandparents Day! Register now to save your spot for FARE's Webinar: Grandparents, Grandfriends, and Food Allergies: Supporting the Kids You Love on Thursday, September 17 at 12 p.m. ET. bit.ly/4yjLXsI
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"Growing up, I had multiple life-threatening anaphylaxis food allergies to many of the Top 9 Major Food Allergens. Through food challenges I was able to outgrow almost all of them. Now, I am lucky to only have a life-threatening anaphylaxis food allergy to peanut. However, growing up with food allergies was never easy. There were multiple times when I politely declined the birthday cake at parties or came home from trick-or-treating with an empty pale. Although, it is with my family, my food allergy ally's, that they helped me make new experiences and the journey easier. My Great-Grandma Stella is my best friend. My mom constantly jokes that we are the same person. We both love reading, crocheting, apple pie, and fashion. I want to thank her for always being adaptive and diligent about my food allergies. Even though she does not deal with them herself, she never once makes me feel less than or different for having them. All of the generations of my family from my Great-Grandma to my aunts and cousins are so loving and willing to learn about my food allergies and create a safe space when we are together; for this I am so thankful." -Kailee National Grandparents Day is around the corner! Register now to save your spot for FARE's Webinar: Grandparents, Grandfriends, and Food Allergies: Supporting the Kids You Love on Thursday, September 17 at 12 p.m. ET. bit.ly/4yjLXsI
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Girl Scouts has announced Sparkables™, a new allergy-friendly oatmeal chocolate chip cookie made with the food allergy community in mind! For the millions of children and families managing food allergies, being a part of traditions like Girl Scout Cookie season matters. We’re encouraged to see Girl Scouts taking this step to help create an experience where more families can participate. More than 70 Girl Scout councils across the country have participated in FARE’s Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program, giving Girl Scouts the tools to better understand food allergies, recognize and respond to an allergic reaction, and support friends and peers living with food allergies. We’re proud to celebrate this progress and look forward to continuing to work toward a safer world for everyone impacted by food allergies. foodallergy.org/our-initiati…
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What an amazing night in Boston! FARE brought together young adults with food allergies for an unforgettable evening of baseball and community. The night was all about making connections, sharing experiences, and spending time with people who understand what it’s like to navigate adulthood with food allergies. The energy and sense of community made it a truly special evening. A special thank you to Dr. Michael Pistiner and Dr. Wayne Shreffler for sharing their expertise and joining us for such an important conversation, and to FARE Medical Director Dr. Kelly Cleary for moderating the discussion. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening so special. We’re excited to continue creating spaces for young adults with food allergies to connect, learn, and build community. Event made possible through the generous support of DBV Technologies and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
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"I have had a tree-nut allergy my whole life. In 2014, when I was 6 years old, I ate a macadamia nut cookie. I went into anaphylactic shock. Thanks to the first responders, I survived. However, another one or two minutes would have completely altered the lives of my family and those who knew me. After that terrifying experience, my family started taking it as seriously as it deserved to be taken. They constantly asked me where my epi-pen was before I went out. They would double-check with waiters after I ordered my food. For a really long time, I saw my allergy as an annoyance because that's what it felt like. Watching waiters roll their eyes after I asked them if my meal had any nuts in it felt uncomfortable. Having only a few alternatives for a safe meal felt disappointing. I became conscious that it was an extra responsibility for myself and those around me. I rarely ever ordered when going out to eat without my mother giving me a slight nod to remind me to “double check” if my food was safe. After multiple food scares and reflections, I have realized that I have the power to control how I think about my allergy. It could be a roadblock, or it could be a step that would lead me to teach others and encourage them to Own Your Allergy. Own Your Allergy Inc. is the nonprofit that I have founded. The mission of Own Your Allergy is to empower teens to advocate for their food allergy across all social settings and restaurants, as well as educate and encourage empathy among restaurant staff through a teen’s perspective. Additionally, Own Your Allergy serves as a food recovery organization to provide allergy-safe foods to local food banks. Currently, OYA has a partnership with Eastern Area Community Ministries, the Kentucky Restaurant Association-Louisville Chapter, and the Louisville Department of Public Health and Wellness." -Sadie Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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For the more than 470,000 people in the U.S. living with EoE, we wanted to share some encouraging news. Newly announced Phase 3 results for tezepelumab-ekko showed improvements in swallowing symptoms and other signs of the disease. Read more about the phase 3 trial results here: fiercepharma.com/pharma/amge… @amgenbiotech @AstraZenecaUS
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This past weekend, the food allergy community came together for FARE's Regional Summit: Real Talk. Real Solutions. at Stanford University for a full day of learning, connection, and conversation. Caregivers, adults living with food allergies, tweens, and teens joined leading experts to explore the latest in food allergy research, share practical strategies for navigating everyday life, and connect with others who truly understand the challenges of living with food allergies. A huge thank you to our incredible speakers, Sharon Chinthrajah, MD; Tina Sindher, MD; Melissa Engel, PhD; Christopher Warren, PhD; and Kelly Cleary, MD, MPH, for sharing their expertise and insights with our community. And thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so meaningful. Event made possible through the generous support of DBV Technologies and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
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"When we prepared for our first child, it never crossed our minds that food allergies might become part of our story. At six months old, we gave our daughter, Eliza, peanut butter for the first time. Within minutes, she broke out in hives from head to toe. We were completely unprepared. We went to urgent care, received steroids, and were referred to an allergist. Then I started learning everything I could. I Googled, researched, followed other allergy families, and tried to understand a world I never expected to enter. A month later, Eliza had an accidental exposure. Thankfully, we have avoided another exposure for the past two years, but food allergies have changed the way we experience everyday life. Eliza attends part-time school. We bring our own food to parties. I pack a meal for her when we go out most of the time. Holidays, celebrations, restaurants, and family gatherings all require a level of planning we never imagined. You begin to realize just how much American culture revolves around food, and how difficult it can be when something as ordinary as a snack can pose a serious risk to your child. When I became a mom, I never imagined the word “allergy” would become part of my identity as a parent. But it is a role I am grateful to have if it means advocating for my daughter. She is not yet two and a half years old, and she can already say, “I am allergic to peanuts.” We have found books and resources that have helped us teach her about her allergy in an age-appropriate way, including Daniel Tiger. Hearing our little girl say those words is both heartbreaking and empowering. She is learning to advocate for herself before she is even old enough to fully understand what an allergy means. We never expected food allergies to be part of our story. But they are now, and we are learning to navigate them one day, one meal, one birthday party, and one holiday at a time. I would never choose this for my daughter. But I will always choose to advocate for her." - Hannah Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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Every neffy (epinephrine nasal spray) prescription will now include a carry case at no additional cost to patients. The new case is designed to make neffy easier to carry and keep readily accessible wherever you go. Patients may begin seeing the updated packaging at pharmacies as new inventory becomes available. Remember: People prescribed neffy should have immediate access to two nasal sprays at all times. We’re glad to see updates that help make carrying lifesaving epinephrine more convenient for the food allergy community.
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"For three frustrating years, I suffered from unexplained health issues without a diagnosis. I bounced from doctor to doctor and was misdiagnosed with conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis before finally getting answers. Thanks to the brilliant expertise of Dr. Anne Marie Ditto at Northwestern Medical, I was properly diagnosed with a severe milk allergy. Once I completely eliminated dairy from my diet, I lived healthily and symptom-free for years. Then, out of nowhere, the nightmare returned. I suddenly began experiencing severe allergic reactions again—throat tightness, hives, gastrointestinal distress, and debilitating pain. I spent six agonizing months undergoing multiple medical procedures, painstakingly tracking every single crumb of food I ate, trying to pinpoint what was triggering my reactions. The culprit wasn't hidden in my food. It was hidden in my medicine cabinet. With the help of a dedicated pharmacist rather than my prescribing doctors, I made a shocking discovery: the prescription medications I was taking contained hidden dairy binders. Inactive allergens in my daily medicine cost me six months of my life, endless suffering, and over $30,000 in medical bills. This hidden danger transformed my pain into a mission. As a Master’s student in Applied Data Science at the University of Michigan, I decided to use my education to build data-driven solutions so no one else has to endure what I went through. I launched two open-source initiatives to empower the allergy community, (both in Active Prototyping & Validation Phase)) Sanjeeva-Aushadh (Allergens in Meds): A tool designed to map and expose hidden inactive allergens lurking in prescription and over-the-counter medications. AkshyaPatra: A personalized food recommendation engine built specifically for individuals managing complex food allergies. Living with food allergies is hard enough without hidden risks in our food and medicine; by leveraging my personal pain through applied data science, I am committed to building the transparency, tools, and safer world our allergy community desperately needs." -Ushasree Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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New research from the OUtMATCH trial offers encouraging insights for people living with multiple food allergies. Researchers found that about 1 in 3 patients treated with omalizumab (Xolair) were able to tolerate full servings (4,044 mg or more) of three different foods they were allergic to by the end of treatment period. The study also found that participants treated with omalizumab experienced fewer cases of anaphylaxis. While omalizumab is not a cure for food allergy, these findings add to growing evidence that it may help increase protection against accidental exposures for some people living with multiple food allergies. FARE is committed to advancing food allergy research and keeping our community informed about the latest scientific developments. As always, treatment decisions should be made in partnership with an allergist to determine the best approach for each individual's needs. Read FARE's OUtMATCH Summary here: foodallergy.org/resources/bi…
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Weston Boswell has faced challenges far beyond the American Ninja Warrior course. Living with food allergies means navigating risks that most people never have to think about. Through his story, Weston is helping millions of viewers better understand the realities of living with a life-threatening food allergy while showing that it doesn't define what someone is capable of achieving. We're grateful to Weston for using his platform to raise awareness and bring greater visibility to the food allergy community. Every story shared helps foster understanding, empathy, and a safer world for the more than 33 million Americans living with food allergy. Thank you, Weston, for reminding us that strength isn't just measured by the obstacles you overcome on the course, it's also found in the courage to share your story.
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The FAA has released a proposed rule that would change the emergency medical kits carried on commercial flights. Instead of strengthening protections for passengers experiencing anaphylaxis, the proposal would give airlines more flexibility in deciding what emergency medical supplies to carry. For the more than 33 million Americans living with food allergy, this proposal puts lives at risk. Rather than requiring modern, FDA-approved epinephrine administration options like autoinjectors and nasal epinephrine, the proposal moves away from clear national standards. During a severe allergic reaction, every second matters, and passengers deserve confidence that lifesaving treatment will be available when they need it most. "As a clinician who has been called upon to treat a passenger experiencing anaphylaxis caused by a food allergy in-flight, I know firsthand how critical it is to understand what medications and equipment are readily available. A national standard provides certainty for medical professionals and in-flight staff who may be called on to help," said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. FARE is calling on the FAA to reconsider this proposal and strengthen the minimum requirements by replacing outdated epinephrine vials and ampoules with modern, FDA-approved epinephrine administration options, including autoinjectors and nasal epinephrine, to help protect passengers when every second counts.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Back-to-School event with @15andMahomies Foundation. It was an incredible day of connection, learning, and support as families heard from food allergy experts, gained practical tips for the school year ahead, and enjoyed activities in the Kids' Fun Zone. A special thank you to Brittany and Patrick Mahomes for spending the day with us and for their ongoing commitment to raising awareness about food allergies. As food allergy parents themselves, their advocacy helps create safer, more informed communities for children living with food allergies. We're incredibly grateful to every family, volunteer, speaker, and partner who helped make this event such a success. Wishing everyone a safe, confident, and successful school year! A huge thank you to our amazing partners for their generous support and donations: Lorissa's Kitchen, Absurd Snacks, Vermont Nut Free Chocolates, Free2b Foods Company, @ThatsIt, @adidas, and 88 Acres.
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"Hi! I’m Evie Rodenbaugh from Missouri and I have a severe case of Alpha Gal Syndrome. I am forever proud that, despite the challenges of a long illness journey, I continued to pursue my education and music career. I had my first allergic reaction on my 17th birthday. Over the next five years, I experienced daily symptoms, got a narcolepsy misdiagnosis, and had frequent allergic reactions in the middle of the night with no real idea of the root cause. I finally had a reaction in September of 2025 that warranted using epinephrine. Finally, I got an Alpha Gal Diagnosis. Alpha Gal Syndrome is not just a red meat allergy. I am allergic to even the smallest traces of mammal products. Gas stations are a nightmare because inhaling roller hot dog fumes can send me into anaphylaxis. I don’t eat anything at restaurants because I cannot risk minimal cross contact with my allergens. I even had to change my soap because it had a form of tallow in it! My immune system was under severe distress as I attempted to navigate a new lifestyle after five years of constant fight or flight. I now take cromolyn sodium (a mast cell stabilizer) to calm down my immune response on top of avoiding my allergens, alcohol, caffeine, and excess sugar. I live a normal and happy life because my physician was educated on Alpha Gal, I got a diagnosis, and my providers took me seriously. My hope is that other folks do not have to wait five years to figure out what’s “wrong” with them. AGS awareness means better prevention, faster diagnosis, and more effective treatment." -Evie Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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NFL Hall of Famer Drew Brees recently shared that he was diagnosed with severe peanut and egg allergies early in his career after struggling with inflammation, fatigue and recovery. Learning what was triggering his symptoms changed how he approached his health and performance. Today, Brees is using his platform to raise awareness about food allergies and the importance of being prepared for anaphylaxis through a partnership with ARS Pharmaceuticals. Food allergy is a serious, life-threatening disease that can affect anyone, including professional athletes. Knowing your allergens, avoiding exposures, carrying two epinephrine devices, and using epinephrine immediately at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction can save a life. We're encouraged to see more public figures sharing their experiences and helping bring greater awareness to food allergies. Every conversation helps more people recognize that food allergy is a medical condition that deserves understanding, preparedness, and respect.
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"Hi! My name is Rhy, and I’ve lived with life-threatening food allergies for as long as I can remember. I’m allergic to all nuts, eggs, coconut, and fruits with large pits. While people often think food allergies just mean reading labels, they’ve affected every aspect of my life, from eating out with friends to medical emergencies and constantly advocating for my own safety. Food allergies have shaped nearly every part of my life. Every invitation to eat comes with questions, and every new restaurant or event carries a level of uncertainty. I’ve had to learn how to advocate for myself from a young age, speak up even when it feels uncomfortable, and trust my instincts when something doesn’t feel safe. There have been moments of fear, frustration, and feeling left out, but my allergies have also made me stronger, more prepared, more compassionate, and more kind. I’ve been to the emergency room seven times because of accidental allergic reactions. During those moments, I always wished a doctor or nurse would tell me, “I understand how you’re feeling because I have food allergies too.” I never heard those words, but I never stopped hoping. This fall, I’m starting my freshman year at Widener University to pursue a nursing degree. My goal is to become the nurse I always wished I had, someone who can not only provide medical care but also truly understand the fear and uncertainty that come with living with life-threatening food allergies. If even one pediatric patient feels seen, heard, and a little less alone because of me, then every challenge I’ve faced will have helped shape the kind of nurse I want to be." -Rhy Submit your story for a chance to be featured on an upcoming #FAREsundaystory: bit.ly/3WNio3g
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Watch the new documentary short Food Allergy: The Invisible Disease to hear from families living with food allergy and learn how research is changing what's possible. For more than 33 million people in the U.S., a meal is never simple. It's a calculation, an ingredient label read twice, questions asked at every restaurant, and an anxiety that never fully goes away. Food allergy isn't a preference; it's a serious disease that affects 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children in the U.S. Share to spread awareness and watch the full 5-minute film here: bit.ly/4flLRsz
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